Independent travel success

Published: 11 October 2018

Redbridge young people with special education needs and disabilities were celebrating their independent travel training achievements at an evening ceremony attended by Ade Adepitan, former Paralympian and television presenter and Cllr Elaine Norman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

Young people received Redbridge Travel Assistance gold medals and certificates for successfully completing their Independent Travel Training.

The event launched the ‘My Travel Journey’ short film which followed two young people as they grew in confidence with travelling to and from school or college on their own. Once the young person is able to travel to their place of learning, they can apply the skills taught in the programme to all other journeys they may take which supports their future work, as well as leisure opportunities.

One parent whose son Jamie completed the travel training, said: “Initially I had reservations about travel training and how Jamie would cope on public transport. From the initial meeting and throughout the training we felt our concerns were listened to and answered thoughtfully and thoroughly. We received continuous support and the trainer kept us up-to-date with his progress. At the beginning, we sent out a boy and he came back a man at the end of the training. Jamie has gained in confidence and is very happy to travel by himself. He is now travelling to a college in Essex using over ground trains.”

Some young people need short-term help to familiarise them with how public transport works in their area and give them the confidence to use it alone. Others need a one-to-one, person centred, personalised training programme that might take place over a period of weeks or months.

Trainees work at their own pace until they are reach a level of attainment they are comfortable with. The outcomes for both families and the young person have been life-changing.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Cllr Elaine Norman said: “It’s a great tribute to our young people, the event was a great opportunity to celebrate their achievement and determination”.

Further information on the event including the film will be available on the Redbridge Local Offer.